Decorating has gone to the dogs–and cats, and birds and fish etc.

We love our pets.  And when it comes to decorating our homes we are not shy about showing our love for our four legged friends (as well as our swimming and flying friends) through the use of fabrics, wallpaper and accessories that reflect our favorite animals.

Many fabric manufacturers offer several options when it comes to fabrics that depict dogs, cats, fish and birds.  You can choose whimsical patterns for a child’s room or sophisticated and regal patterns highlighting the important role animals play in our lives. 

 

Perhaps your favorite pet is something a bit more exotic such as a gecko, parrot or koi fish.  You are in luck as there are fabrics that show these cute (?) little guys as well.

There are many ways to use these fabrics in your home.

• Accent pillows will add a playful touch to a den, family room or bedroom and express your love for your pet.
• A cornice board upholstered in one of these fabrics is a subtle way of showing you care.
• Bedding and window treatments in a child’s room is a fun way to let them enjoy their favorite animal even if it is not a pet.  There are fabrics depicting horses for the equestrian in the family and elephants and monkeys for those who dream of exotic vacations.
• Cover a lampshade or small footstool for a touch of whimsy.

With all the unique accessories, fabrics and wallcoverings available, there is no excuse for forgetting your favorite pet when it comes time to decorate.

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What do Elvis and Home Decorating have in common?

Elvis would have turned 75 this year and there is still tremendous interest in the man’s life and music.  We all know about Elvis’ contribution to the music world and even the fashion world but what contributions did he make to the interior decorating world?  One visit to his home, Graceland, and you may be able to answer this question.

At first glance this house appears to be gaudy and pretentious.  But a closer look shows that the house was decorated in the style and colors popular in the early sixties.   Overlook the gilding and red velvet and you may be surprised to find that many of those design ideas are popular again today.  For example:

• The color yellow is used throughout the home from the soft yellow found in the living room to the vibrant yellow  bar in the playroom downstairs.  In 2009 the color yellow, aptly named Mimosa by Pantone, was a very popular color for home decorating.  The color blue is also used throughout the house and, lo and behold, the color of the year for 2010 is turquoise and related shades of  blue.
• The famous Jungle Room features hand carved chairs from Indonesia.  In today’s interiors, rustic and hand crafted items are very popular as are animal print fabrics.
• Graceland was decorated to accommodate a large family that gathered and ate together in the dining room and played together in the living areas.  Due to the state of today’s economy, many families are  now decorating their homes in a way that encourages and supports interaction with their families.
• Every room in Elvis’ home has several televisions and the latest electronic gadgets for the time.  Does this sound familiar?  Today’s homes also feature TVs in every room and enough electronic gadgets to fill a warehouse.  Not sure this is a good thing but it is the way of the future.

This article is a bit tongue-in-cheek but it is interesting to see how decorating and design trends come full circle.

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